GAL KNITTING

The Ravelry GiftAlong 2014 has officially kicked off. I have spent the past couple of days in bed with a headcold which was the perfect excuse to spend some time looking through all the wonderful designs and making a (long!) xmas make list.

First on my list is two Marjie shrugs. These are for a dear friend's little girls - her two year old and her new baby girl. I don't normally get in to the whole matchy matchy thing but I thought it might be nice to make the same pattern but in different yarns.

Marjie is by New Zealand designer Julia Stanfield. Julia has been an online friend for a number of years and is a really lovely lady. Her designs are "seamless, stylish and simple" but mostly just really wearable which is really appealing when you are trying to choose something that's both lovely but also going to get worn by the recipient.

 I love the look of this little cardigan that has the cropped/short sleeves ideal for over summer dresses, but also the button up front for when you need a bit more coverage. 



I am just about finished a tiny little 17" Marjie in a gorgeous purple from Candy Apple Lane and so far it has been a nice relaxing knit. The pattern is written out line by line so it's ideal for both the beginner knitter and for TV watching while you knit.  I also love that you cast off the sleeves as you go rather than putting them on holders - makes for minimal finishing and would be great for gradient yarns.

You can see all of Julia's giftalong sale patterns here: http://www.ravelry.com/bundles/4665